won't start sometimes. possibly ignition switch or key problem
 

Hello,
Past few months I have problems starting the car... Once a while, when I turn key to start position (cranking) nothing happens. Usually it starts after 2nd try. Sometimes if I hold long enough, it will start to crank. Today it started from 9th try (was ok whole day after that). When I say nothing happens, I really mean it. No dimming lights, no clicks, nothing. I think it may be relative to Ignition Switch or dying battery in key. Could someone, please, help me with an advice? Dealer will just throw different parts in car and rip money off :(
thanks in advance
BMW X5 2006, 70k miles

help

If it is orig batt, I might guess it is toast...you could try low amp 'trickle' charging it, and see if that 'key position' prob crops up again, or disappears. Key in ign problems are relatively rare on here, from fading memory. If batt is not old/abused, I have no clue...but if batt is orig, I suspect it is gonzo. Do you have another key of any kind to try?
GL, mD

Hmm, I am sure that battery is factory one. Unfortunately, its the only key set I have. Then, I will start with ordering new key. If the problem will remain, I will post in this thread. Thanks for reply!

Help us help you better by adding one more small detail to your signature...what model X5 do you have? For instance, details that would indicate which engine you have (m54/m62TU/n62) gives those responding to your posts a clearer understanding of how to respond since not all e53 X5s are the same from 2000-2006. ;)

I can say that the issue is NOT your key. The battery inside the key has no affect on its ability to start the engine. EWS is self powered thru induction...the ring antenna receives a 125 KHz AM signal from the EWS control module which then powers an induction coil inside the key which then powers the EWS transponder chip inside the key.

The battery inside the key only powers the transmission of the FZV/DWA (keyless entry/anti-theft alarm) RF signal.

Have you unlocked your OBC'S & ran TEST 9 to see what your battery's voltage is? Or used a meter to test the battery? Anything below 11.6 volts means the battery is at 0% state of charge & is usually operating on reserve capacity.

6+ yr old batt...that's the prob, my guess.
GL, mD

Yes start to cheak voltage and charge ur battery. If that does not give any result try ÿour ignition switch its a cheap replacement before this was a "common probleem" it was verry hard to find

Recently replaced car battery and shop checked the charging system. Battery in the car is charged good.
in post #4 I was referring to key battery

Ok good.

Simular problem in my brothers bme540 it was the EWS that time and he strated with new key.

The bmwdealer saw this in the diagnos. The indys told him it was the key after their diagnos two inyds or more. After ordering new key same problem then took it too BMW and they could see that it was a problem with the ews.

I think the indys could see that it was a problem with the antitheft system and then recomended the key.

Im not shore it u should get light with a bad key but hopfule somebody else knows.

Sois it dealer or indys that whant to start trowing part in by ur expense?

had the same problem took it to the stealer was dead batt in the key so i ordered a new key @£200 no problem since
the next day i found a fix for a dead key on here ordered the part from ebay fixed my other key for £5.00